Fedor Emelianenko, M-1 Global Ready To Negotiate With UFC

Though negotiations between Fedor Emelianenko and the UFC have apparently not begun yet, it appears both sides are willing to meet with hopes of bringing the top-ranked heavyweight into the Octagon.

M-1 Global President Vadim Finkelchtein believes that this weeks cancellation of Affliction: Trilogy could be used as an opportunity to jump start stagnant negotiations to bring Fedor to the UFC.

“This is the moment of truth that the UFC has talked about. Fedor and I are here in the States. If they want to come out and fly here, we are ready to conduct negotiations,” said Finkelchtein. “Of course it still doesn’t imply we are ready to accept any conditions they’ll throw at us. We want to talk to the UFC about having Fedor compete against some of their fighters, but only within the framework of co-promotional efforts with M-1 Global.”

As a guest on ESPN Radio 1100 on Friday, UFC President Dana White said he’s looking to make a deal happen with Fedor, who would immediately challenge for the heavyweight title in the UFC.

“My job is to put on the best fighters and to give you, the fans, the fights you want to see. I’ve been trying to get Fedor in the UFC. I want it because you want it. Believe me, I’m trying to make it happen. He’ll fight for the title first. What does he need, a tune-up fight or something?”

The UFC is planning a July 31 press conference to make several major announcements. Will the signing of the world’s top heavyweight in Fedor be among them?